top of page

Safer Sex Guidelines

What is safe sex?

Everyone's idea of safe sex may very but we think this will better help you understand.

Limit your sexual activity to only one partner who is having sex only with you to reduce exposure to disease-causing organisms. Follow these guidelines, which may provide for safer sex:

Think twice before beginning sexual relations with a new partner. First, discuss past partners, history of STIs, and drug use.

Use condoms every time you have sex. Choose a male condom made of latex or polyurethane--not natural materials. Only use polyurethane if you are allergic to latex. Female condoms are made of polyurethane.

Although studies say that nonoxynol-9 spermicide kills HIV in lab testing, it has not been determined whether spermicides, used alone or with condoms, provide protection against HIV. There are data that shows nonoynol-9 may increase the risk of HIV transmission, However, the CDC recommends that latex condoms, with or without spermicides, should be used to help prevent sexual transmission of HIV.

For oral sex, help protect your mouth by having your partner use a condom (male or female).

Avoid drinking alcohol or using drugs as this increases the chance that you will participate in high-risk sex.

Women should not douche after intercourse--it does not protect against STIs. And, it could spread an infection farther into the reproductive tract, and can wash away spermicidal protection.

Have regular Pap tests, pelvic exams, and periodic tests for STIs.

Be aware of your partner's body. Look for signs of a sore, blister, rash, or discharge.

Check your body frequently for signs of a sore, blister, rash, or discharge.

Consider sexual activities other than vaginal, oral, or anal sex. These are techniques that do not involve the exchange of body fluids or contact between mucous membranes.

Latex vs Non Latex

non-latex male condoms made of polyurethane film or synthetic elastomers were developed as alternative male barrier methods for individuals with allergies, sensitivities or preferences that prevented the consistent use of condoms made of latex.

Latex condoms are the most popular and widely available type of condom - making them the first choice for many people. As the name suggests, this type of condom is made out of latex

Condoms are a barrier method of birth control that prevents pregnancy by keeping sperm away from the vagina. They reduce the chance of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by lessening contact between partners’ body fluids and skin.
What is an External Condom?

An external condom, sometimes called a “male” condom, is a covering designed to fit over an erect penis or sex toy, and can be used for oral, vaginal, or anal sex. They are usually made of latex but are also available in non-latex materials.
  • What is H.i.v?
    HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life. But with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. People with HIV who get effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners.
  • What is an S.T.I & How can it affect me?
    Full Panel Sexually Transmitted Infections include: Many STIs have no symptoms, so people can have an infection but not know it. A sexually transmitted disease (STD) develops because of an STI and the term implies that the infection has led to some symptom of disease. Gonorrhea is an STD that can cause infection in the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is very common, especially among young people ages 15-24 years. Chlamydia: is a common, but treatable, STD. If left untreated, chlamydia can make it difficult for a woman to get pregnant and It can cause permanent damage to a woman's reproductive system Syphilis Syphilis is is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause serious health problems without treatment. Infection develops in stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary). Each stage can have different signs and symptoms. Herpes Genital herpes is a common STD, but most people with the infection do not know they have it. While there is no cure, there are medicines available that can prevent or shorten outbreaks. These medicines also can make it less likely to pass the infection on. Hepatitis C: Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplants HIV HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
  • What is the Oral Quick at home kit?
    What is the OraQuick In-Home HIV Test? The OraQuick In-Home HIV Test is a rapid self-administered over-the-counter (OTC) test. This approved test uses oral fluid to check for antibodies to HIV Type 1 and HIV Type 2, the viruses that cause AIDS.Having an expected performance of 99.98%, it is extremely important for those who self-test using the OraQuick In-Home HIV Test to carefully read and follow all labeled directions. how does it work? The kit is designed to allow you to take the HIV test anonymously and in private with the collection of an oral fluid sample by swabbing your upper and lower gums with the test device. After collecting the sample you insert the device into the kit’s vial which contains a developer solution, wait 20-40 minutes, and read the test result. What it contains? The OraQuick In-Home HIV Test kit consists of a test stick (device) to collect the specimen, a test tube (vial) to insert the test stick (device) and complete the test, testing directions, two information booklets (“HIV, Testing and Me” and “What your results mean to you”), a disposal bag and phone numbers for consumer support.
  • What If my tests results are reactive ( Positive ) ?
    If your HIV test comes back positive, a follow-up test will be conducted. If the follow-up test is also positive, it means you have HIV. People with HIV have the best health outcomes if they start treatment for the virus as soon as possible after they are diagnosed, even if they don’t feel sick. HIV is treated with medications called antiretrovirals (ARVs). People with HIV who take ARVs as prescribed and remain in medical care can live long, healthy lives. ARVs can reduce the virus to levels that are undetectable by standard lab tests. Successfully treating HIV also gets an individual to an undetectable status.which means the risk of passing it on through sex is minimum to none.
  • What if my results are negative?
    If you don’t have HIV, staying that way will help protect your health and the health of your partners. There are more options than ever to prevent infection. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective in preventing HIV. PrEP is short for pre-exposure prophylaxis and involves taking medication before potential exposure to HIV. This medication can block infection. Today, there are two forms of PrEP. One is a daily pill and the other is an injection given by a healthcare provider every eight weeks. Both are highly effective at preventing HIV. Condoms are also highly effective at preventing HIV. When used consistently and correctly, they also prevent various other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). *A variety of free condoms comes in over Glow Guards*
bottom of page